Nic Read online

  Nic looked up from his food and smiled. “I’d like that, too.”

  Mindy grinned. “My name is Mindy MacDougal.” She held out her hand.

  He took it gently. “Nic La Croix.” Heat simmered in his blue eyes, leaving her breathless.

  “So, Nic,” she said, “tell me about yourself.”

  Some of the heat faded and his expression became guarded.

  Unease settled into Mindy’s stomach. “You aren’t married, are you?”

  Nic shook his head, sending his shaggy, light brown hair bouncing. “No. I wouldn’t have... What I mean to say is, I wouldn’t have been at the bar alone if I were attached in any way. What about you?” he asked. “Do you have anyone special in your life?”

  Mindy played with her fork. “No, not for a while now. There really hasn’t been time. What with school and all.” And looking after Izzy. She placed her fork on the plate and picked up her beer. Mindy took a sip. The drink burned down her throat. “So are you from around here?”

  “No,” he said. “But I’ve been here for the past eleven years.”

  “Almost makes you a local,” she said.

  His eyes crinkled when he laughed.

  Mindy loved the sound. It was deep, throaty, and infectious. From the creases next to his eyes, Nic looked like he laughed a lot. It made her want to say something funny just so she could hear him laugh again.

  “You said you were a mechanic,” she added.

  Nic nodded. “I work on the Fortier estate. They have a big garage there.” He watched her closely when he said the name.

  Mindy wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but he must’ve been satisfied with what he saw because he seemed to relax. “I’m aware of the place, but only because I think Celina mentioned it before. You said Fortier, right?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Nic said.

  “Is the family any relation to the software mogul?”

  “One and the same,” he said.

  “Ah, good for you,” she said. “Thought the name sounded vaguely familiar. I don’t really keep up with high-society news.”

  Nic took a deep swallow of his beer. “Has Celina ever been out to the estate?”

  Mindy shrugged. “I don’t think so, but I honestly wouldn’t know.”

  “I thought you said she was your friend,” Nic said.

  Mindy’s stomach tightened. “She is, but we don’t do everything together. She’s actually Izzy’s best friend. We’ve always hung out together, but it’s only recently that we’ve grown close.”

  “I understand,” he said.

  Did he? Did he really?

  “Listen, about the other night.” Mindy hated to bring the subject up again, but she thought it was necessary to clear the air.

  Nic held up his hand. “Mindy, you don’t have to explain,” he said. “I don’t normally do that kind of thing either.”

  She exhaled loudly, then laughed. “I guess we both were swept up in the moment.”

  “That’s putting it mildly,” he muttered. “I definitely got carried away.” This time his blue eyes sparkled.

  Memories of his rough hands gliding over her skin, his firm lips devouring hers, flittered through her mind. Mindy picked up her napkin and dabbed at the gathering moisture on her forehead.

  “So,” she said. “Have you always been a mechanic?”

  “No, but I’ve always enjoyed tinkering on anything with a motor in it. Fixing cars began as a hobby and quickly became a profession,” he said. “Does that bother you?”

  Why would his vocation bother her? Mindy was genuinely confused by the question. “No, should it?”

  Nic shrugged and put his fork down. “You just struck me as the kind of woman who prefers suits.”

  Her brow furrowed. “That’s only because you don’t know me very well.” Did he really think she was so shallow? She looked at him. Maybe he did.

  Mindy hadn’t meant to give Nic that impression. Of course, it was hard to make a good impression, when you were flat on your back, half naked, sprawled across the bed of a pick-up truck.

  He fidgeted in his seat. “I didn’t mean anything by it. It was just an observation,” Nic said.

  “Well, you’re wrong,” Mindy said. “I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved.” She’d had no choice, since Izzy’s antics had bankrupted their parents. “I’m not interested in social climbing. I want to be a vet because I love animals, not because I have dreams of marrying a fellow doctor.”

  “Got it,” he said.

  They continued making small talk throughout the rest of the dinner. Despite the rough start, Mindy found herself truly enjoying Nic’s company. When the meal was done, he helped her clear the table and wash the dishes.

  After they were dried and put away, Nic said, “I’d better head out. Thank you for the lovely meal.”

  “Thanks for fixing my car,” Mindy said.

  “It was the least I could do,” he said.

  He didn’t owe her anything, but Mindy didn’t want him to leave yet. “I picked up dessert.” She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a chocolate cake.

  Nic paled. “Sorry, I’m allergic to chocolate, but thank you.”

  Mindy was all out of excuses to keep him there, so she walked him to the front door.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Thirteen

  Nic’s gaze roamed over her face. This was it. Once he walked out that door, they probably wouldn’t see each other again. It was the right thing to do. They were two different species. All that was left was to step out onto the porch.

  He stared at Mindy. Throughout the whole meal, all he could think about was kissing her. His eyes locked onto her lips. They were full, rosy and just begging to be explored.

  Nic slowly touched her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. He brought her knuckles to his mouth and pressed a chaste kiss to the back of them. He watched Mindy’s breath catch and her pulse jump beneath her skin.

  He tugged her hand, bringing her closer to him. “I want to kiss you,” he murmured. “But I’m afraid if I do, I won’t want to stop.”

  Mindy moistened her lips.

  Nic groaned and closed his eyes. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? How tempting?” he asked. “I can hardly keep my hands off you. I should leave. It wasn’t my intention to come over here and seduce you again. I really did want to make up for my bad behavior last night.” He released her and turned to make good on his word.

  Mindy caught his arm. “Don’t go.”

  Nic almost didn’t hear her above the blood raging in his veins. “I need you to be sure.” It was a plea and a prayer.

  “I’m sure,” she whispered.

  “Why you?” He leaned his forehead against hers.

  Mindy laughed. “I’ve been asking myself the same question since last night.”

  Nic slipped his hand around her neck and slowly lowered his head, giving her plenty of time to move away—to escape him.

  She didn’t. Instead, Mindy’s lips parted in welcome.

  Nic seized her mouth, capturing her in a fierce kiss. The taste of her melted across his tongue. She was pure ambrosia. He followed the tantalizing flavor, exploring her depths thoroughly, wanting more. The room spun as he deepened the embrace.

  Mindy’s fingers fluttered over his chest, coming to rest above his pounding heart.

  Nic’s body hardened and his hands fisted in her shirt, bunching the sweater’s material. Her skin heated. With the rise in temperature came the delicious, musky aroma of hot moist woman.

  He broke the embrace, his ragged breath ripped from his chest. “Tell me to leave now and I might be able to go,” he rasped. It was a last-ditch effort to save himself. To save her innocence from his dark world. “I’m not strong enough to walk away on my own.” The confession scorched his soul.

  Mindy’s brown eyes dilated. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath. She pressed her swollen lips together and swallowed hard.

  “Please don’t go,” she
murmured.

  “I don’t want us to regret this, this time,” he said.

  Her long lashes fluttered to conceal her eyes. “I don’t regret the last time.” She ran a hand over her arm and bit her lip. “Do you?”

  Nic’s denial was swift and fierce. “Hell no!”

  * * * * *

  If she told him to leave this second, Nic would. His stern expression said his offer was real. If that happened, there was a very good chance she wouldn’t see him again. Panic hit, squeezing her throat. That was the last thing Mindy wanted.

  Still, she didn’t know much about this man. Was she really going to invite him into her bed?

  He saved you from Marco twice. He fixed your car. He let Tart hump his leg. And he didn’t run away.

  That said a lot about his character. She stared into his dark blue eyes, watching the waves of passion wash over them. She could get lost in those eyes. It wouldn’t take much to be swept away. Mindy was already halfway there.

  “I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she said. “I’m tired of feeling lonely.” This time it wasn’t her wild side talking. This time it was the real Mindy baring her soul.

  Nic shuddered as her words struck their mark.

  “Me too.” Nic cradled her face between his large hands and slowly tilted her head to capture her lips once more.

  The kiss was so devastatingly tender that it brought tears to Mindy’s eyes. With that one kiss, Nic conveyed all the emotions he kept bottled inside. Mindy tasted his fear, his need, his compassion, and his loneliness.

  She also discovered a deeper, darker, wilder undercurrent. The last should’ve scared her, but instead she was drawn to it, drawn to him. Mindy savored every one of his emotions, grateful that he’d been willing to leave himself so utterly exposed.

  He walked her backwards toward the hall, never breaking the kiss. Nic reached for the first doorknob he came to. Mindy stopped him before he could open the door.

  “That’s Izzy’s room,” she murmured against his lips.

  Mindy grabbed his shirt and kept moving, taking him farther down the hall. The second door they encountered was cracked.

  * * * * *

  Nic pushed it open. A neat bedroom came into view. The only thing he cared about at the moment was the queen-sized bed with the rose-colored comforter and pillows piled high. The room smelled like Mindy. He flicked the light on and guided her inside, then kicked the door closed with his foot. As soon as he heard it click shut, Nic stripped her clothes off.

  The sweater went first. It was followed by her jeans. By the time he finished, all Mindy had on was her lacy white bra and matching panties. She toed her shoes off, then stepped out of her pants.

  Nic ran his fingertips over the swell of her breasts and watched her nipples tighten beneath the material. “I didn’t get to see these last night.” He slipped one finger under the strap and slowly slid it off her shoulder. “I dreamed about them. About you.”

  Gooseflesh rose on her arms.

  “Cold?” he asked, knowing she wasn’t.

  Mindy shook her head. “Hot,” she said. “If I get any warmer, I will be scalding.”

  “Then I hope you like the heat, darlin’, because you’re about to get a lot hotter.” It was a vow Nic intended to keep.

  He cupped her fullness, feeling the heavy weight of her in his hands. He brushed his thumbs over the front of her swollen flesh, loving the sound of her breath as it caught in her throat.

  His lips found hers once more and he reached behind her. With a flick of his wrist, her bra gaped open and fell to the floor. Nic broke the kiss to look at her.

  “Oh, have mercy,” he said, then ran his tongue over the soft swell before capturing her nipple between his teeth.

  Mindy gasped and clutched his head. Nic feasted on her flesh, turning it bright red. She was even sweeter tasting here. He latched on to the other nipple, making sure to give it equal attention. Mindy swelled before his eyes, ripening like a summer berry.

  Nic sucked and nibbled until her knees threatened to give out, then he coaxed her onto the bed. Her blonde hair spread across the rose comforter, haloing her head. “I didn’t get to explore you the way that I wanted to. I intend to make up for that oversight right now.”

  He grabbed Mindy by her ankles and pulled her forward until her bottom rested at the edge of the bed. He grabbed her panties and yanked them off, then dropped to his knees and inhaled. His head spun as her delicious aroma ensnared him.

  Drool threatened to drip from his mouth as he carefully parted her legs to reveal her hidden cleft. She blossomed before him. His incisors lengthened and his eyes glowed. Nic’s gaze dropped to keep her from seeing the effect she had on him. On his wolf.

  Nic settled his wide shoulders between her thighs and slowly took his first real taste of her. Spice and honey exploded on his tongue. Nic’s body instantly hardened to the point of pain. He dipped in again and her juices ran down his chin.

  Nic wanted to bury himself inside her, experience the warm, tight embrace he’d felt the other night. But he wouldn’t. Not yet. He wasn’t finished tasting her, feasting on her yet. He wanted to sup on Mindy’s flesh, devour her sex until all that remained was a deeply sated woman.

  Nic stopped his gentle exploration and dove in with gusto. He licked, stroked, and worried her flesh with his teeth until she plumped beneath his firm lips.

  Mindy’s knees locked around his head and her thighs quivered. She tried to squirm up the bed when the sensations got to be too much, but Nic wasn’t having it. He held on to her hips and slid his hands beneath bottom, tilting her to give him better access, then continued to feast.

  * * * * *

  She couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. Her entire world was centered on his amazing mouth and what it was doing to her. Pressure built inside her. A pressure the likes of which she’d never experienced before. Her hands clenched the duvet as she tried to hold on to her world, as it rotated faster.

  Nic swirled his tongue around and around her until lights flashed behind her eyelids. Mindy’s body bucked and she pressed her lips together hard to keep from screaming. She tasted blood and didn’t care.

  He sucked her between his teeth and bit down. The flare of pain amidst all the pleasure sent her spiraling over the edge, as the mother of all orgasms roared through her, engulfing her in flames. This time Mindy did scream Nic’s name.

  * * * * *

  Mindy’s cries rang in his ears as she rippled around his tongue. Nic couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. Mindy’s legs dropped open and her body liquefied. She was everything he’d remembered and more.

  Nic grabbed his shirt off the floor and wiped his mouth, then slowly climbed to his feet. He stared down at her. Mindy’s pale flesh had turned a delectable shade of pink. Her nipples jutted toward the ceiling, all but begging to be nibbled on again. He watched her body quake. Nic would remember this moment for the rest of his life.

  He repositioned her until she was further onto the bed, then Nic settled on top of her. He kissed Mindy tenderly and brushed the damp hair away from her face.

  “You aren’t finished yet. Are you?” he asked.

  Mindy licked her lip and tried to speak. After a minute she gave up and shook her head.

  “Good,” he said. “Because I’m just getting started.”

  This time Nic didn’t sheathe himself. He wanted to know what—if anything—would happen when they had sex skin to skin. He didn’t expect a repeat of the other night. With his wolf firmly leashed, Nic didn’t feel as out of control.

  “I don’t have any diseases,” he said, kissing her again. “Are you on birth control?”

  Mindy nodded.

  “I know I’m asking you to trust me with your life, but I swear to you that I’d never do anything to put you in harm’s way.”

  She stared at him for so long he thought she was going to reject him, then finally she answered. “Okay, but if you’re lying, I will cut you up into little pieces
and feed you to Hannibal.”

  “I’m not. Thank you for your trust.” The words had barely left his mouth, when Nic surged forward burying himself inside her molten core. The sensation shocked his system, leaving him winded.

  It was the first time he’d ever gone bareback in woman. That he’d done so with a human wasn’t lost on him. It was...it was...incredible.

  Nic held himself still and tried to catch his breath. Mindy’s legs rose and she wrapped her knees around him, holding him close. Her level of trust made his heart soar. It also terrified him.

  So far, so good. No odd reactions. No internal swelling.

  For some reason, the thought that the whole thing might’ve been because of the full moon left him oddly disappointed.

  You should be elated. This is what you wanted.

  Nic rolled his hips and thrust forward, feeling her velvet muscles grip him. Fire burned down his spine and he had to fight the urge to rut like a beast inside her.

  He found Mindy’s mouth and continued his carnal invasion while he glided forward, embedding himself to the hilt. Nic shuddered. She was perfect. Everything about her seemed to fit. He pulled out until only the tip of him remained inside her.

  Mindy whimpered and pushed down upon him, seeking more.

  Nic’s lips slid over her jaw as he easily slipped in and out of her fiery sheath. “I didn’t think it would be possible, but it’s even better tonight.”

  He concentrated on keeping a steady rhythm, so he could build the tension inside of her. He wanted to hear her scream his name again. Mindy tightened around him. Nic found her earlobe and sucked on it, feeling her core pulse in response.

  He sucked harder until Mindy writhed beneath him and rocked her hips to meet him thrust for thrust. Her choppy breathing told him she wouldn’t last much longer.

  Nic hooked his elbows under her knees and lifted her legs higher. The position allowed him to go deeper. Mindy mewed, and her head thrashed from side to side as he pounded into her.